Stripping

[Angel_Eyes]

Dear Experts,
I have come into possession of a pair of holsters that have been 'coloured' over the original.
Any tips on what to use to regain the original colour (if possible)?

Looks like they started off a nice mid-tan and have been 'blacked', now they look sort of dark purple-ish.

Is this a lost cause?

AE

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Angel Eyes


        Looks like you have a challenge, in the years I've fooled around with this type thing, I've found it easier to make leather darker than it is to take a black dyed piece of leather and make it tan again, but I'm not an expert on this subject, this is just my experience with this, maybe someone with more expertise will chime in, I'd like to know if there is a way of doing this too, without hurting the leather. one thing I would do if the dye on the holster doesn't look good, is too clean it off with alcohol or lemon juice, and then re dye, and put a finish on it, or just Neatsfoot oil and the Skidmores Leather Cream, but I think I would dye it black only now that it is already black.

                       We'll see what others have to say Pard

                                   Regards

                               tEN wOLVES 

[Dalton Masterson]

I had some slight success in removing the black finish from a US WW2 holster. I used deglazer on it, which helped but didnt remove it. I ended up taking someones suggestion of using gasoline, and scrubbing it with a soft brush. It is now a very dirty brown, but I would not suggest this route to anyone. The thing still has a gas smell, and its been almost a year now I think.

I will probably try to redye it brown, or may have to go to black again.

DM

[ChuckBurrows]

1) Strip off any finish - use acetone or denatured alcohol
2) Oxalic acid is the traiditonal leather "bleach" - you can find it at most hardware stores being sold as wood bleach - follow the directions...

[Slowhand Bob]

I frequently dye my hands black and need to get it off.  If I get at it quick enough I can lighten it but time must do the rest.  For the dyes I use alcohol seems to be the best solvent BUT I fear your problem will most likely be a lost cause.  I have never had braggin results when trying to change the base color and this even normally applies to going from lighter to black.  One exception, a dark blue base makes a pretty black, but I digress.  There are definitely more knowledgeable pards on here than I am so hold of until you here from someone who might actually be experienced in salvaging old leather work.

WOW Chuck stepped up while I was typing!

[Reverend]

I have found finger nail  polish remover will take black die off a pair of boots that my brother died black. Of course its acetone in it.,It was tan underneath. I have used it to lighten up old holsters


Rev

[Kid Terico]

I have done what I consider lots of dying. I have tried many a time to go from a blk. to a more natural or brown and have never made it come out nice. I usually end up throwing it away or darken it again. KT

[Angel_Eyes]

Thanks for all the tips, advice and especially the list of products.
I will see what is available over here in Blighty,,,,,and proceed with caution!

I have found that sourcing the correct materials over here is one of the more difficult parts of this past-time you people have dragged me into with your cunning ways!

We don't seem to have many of the old fashioned hardware shops around any more, you know the type I mean, like an Aladdin's cave that you go into,' just for a look', and come out with armloads of stuff, you never knew you needed!

Thanks again,

AE

[Skeeter Lewis]

AE, you can get isopropyl alcohol  (the stuff you use first) from bigger British pharmacies.

[Ned Buckshot]

Yup AE I have that trouble at Ace and Lowes. I went to Lowes last year to get some sandpaper and walked out with a 60 lb., 8", varible speed, $150.00 grinder when I had a perfectly good one in my shop.

I just couldn't help it!!!!! It was just to cool.

Ned